“We are only in grade 8, we don’t have worldviews.”
This was an initial response to the question, “Tell me a time when your worldview about something has changed because of a new situation, group or person.”
We then had a laugh talking and reflecting on some of the ways their worldviews have changed in their 13 short years.
“I used to hate cats, then I got a cat and now I don’t hate them.”
“I used to think my parents knew everything, but now I think they are kind of dumb.”
“I was never scared of being in an accident, then my auntie was in one and now I am often frightened.”
“I used to believe that teachers lived at the school.”
I enjoyed watching them go from “I’m too young to know anything about anything” to “Hey, wait, I do have some views and beliefs about things.” I am looking forward to watching their confidence grow as we learn together. I have an amazing group of grade 8 and 9 students this year.
I feel more optimistic and envigorated by this school startup than I have in a long time. Some of it is the work I have done to “change my worldview,” “shift my paradigm,” “see the glass half full,” “turn that frown upside down,” but a lot of it has to do with my students as well.
We often hear stories of great teachers who have a huge impact on student’s lives and learning experiences. We don’t often hear about how the students change our lives or our worldviews. In a lot of ways, I think I have gotten more from my students than I have given them.
Its going to be a great year and I can’t wait.
Teacher Talk 
Neat post. I, too, am quickly learning that this gig is really about the students. There hasn’t been a day yet this term that I haven’t had a moment when a student hasn’t surprised me in a positive way. As crazy as times get, it’s amazing how in the next minute, a student can offer a moment of profound clarity that makes it all worthwhile.